2000 Yamaha reviews

I bought a '99 VStar 650 in March. I've been riding for 20+ years and this is my third bike (Suzuki, then Yamaha Maxim before this one). I can't say enough about this bike: low seating(I'm 5'4")I can plant both feet on the ground, light weight(push it around garage easily), hugs the curves (took it to Knoxville,TN for Honda Hoot in June-loved the Smoky Mountains'runs)speed and pick-up are just fine; after 5 hour poker run did not feel worn out - terrific comfort. I LOVE this bike - can't ride it enough!! My husband and son have both ridden it and agree, but of course not enough CC's for them. The Classic style is an eye catcher - get lots of compliments. Last but not least, love the throaty sound from the Cobra pipes. Show less

I've owned my R6 since new and it is terriffic in most every way. Very powerful, corners like mad and is reasonably comfortable. My wrists get tired after a while but that is to be expected on such a narrowly focused bike. My only complaints are the buzzing between 6 and 7k rpms and the seat gets very warm after a few miles, particularly in the crotch area :(. Do yourself a favor and switch to a 70 series front tire. It will make it much more stable and corner in a more linear fashion. My Metzler M1 fit with abosolutely no mods. Show less

I am a weekend novice rider. Woods, sand pits, and ripping it up under high tension power lines is where I spend my time. My 426 is a sweet machine but being an Mx bike has a drawback. Stock first gear is too high for slow woods. This bike was never designed to crawl along. I have a 3 tooth smaller sprocket and this helps in the technical stuff and boosts acceleration a little too, but it also brings top speed down alittle . I know I can't do 75 anymore. But that's OK actualy for my health. But don't misunderstand me, the bike is stable. It has no bad habits. It has great throttle response. Sufficient power down low that turns into a midrange that barks. It'll put a smile on my face every time I ride it. Suspension is good and doesn't do anything weird. I change the frame held oil with partialy synthetic and bring it to the dealer once a year. The YZ426 has never given me a mechanical failure. Always relible. And I beat this machine hard. I give this bike 4 stars only because it isn't completely versatile. But then again it was designed to be apure MX bike. Show less

After much research and recommendations, I bought a 2001 Vstar 650 as my 1st bike. I came right out of the MSF safety class and jumped on this bike. If there are any ladies out there considering a 1st bike, this is the one. It has a great center of gravity and balance , not to heavy and performs great under the pressure of a new rider. I agree we need a 6th gear, but OK for me now. Most people think it's a fatboy because of the low profile, which makes it fit a lady just perfect!!! Show less

wow, this bike is the best overall bike you can ask for. if you don't give this a 5 out of 5 then there's either something wrong with your bike or you are crazy. this bike has been so much fun and very effective at totally annihilating all of it's competition. i'm very pleased with its performance and recommend this bike to all! Show less

I look at bikes on a bike by bike basis not a Brand by Brand basis. I looked long and hard for an under 10k cruiser. I wanted a Harley so bad, but found out qwickly there was only one bike Harley makes that can be had for this price. For what the V-star is(1100 midsize cruiser), there is nothing better. You can get a Sporter 1200 for about $2000 more, but you get about half the bike. Just look at one side by side. I'm not Harley bashing, I thing the bigger Harley's are great, and probably beat out the Road Stars(not counting reliability). But this is not the case in the 1100-1300 class. The V-star is the clear leader in this market. Show less

I swore as my first motorcyle that I'd keep it under 60mph, and conservative on the turns, but that's impossible with the Yamaha R6. It gets more stable the faster you go, and leans into the turns like wouldn't believe. I don't even know why anyone would need a bigger bike, this thing is fast off the line, and goes from 65 to MUCH faster before you can say whoa! Show less

This is one truly unbelievable rollercoaster ride. As a Police Officer I should'nt be saying this but at 150mph this machine is AWESOME. I am truly glad that someone stole my ZX-9R if not I may have never been able to have the fun that my buddies (5 of us) and I have as we tear up the road taking our R1's to the limit andto all those Honda 900RR fanatics tell me how good do my tail lights look . Show less

The VStar 1100 has great acceleration and is a good overall bike. The classic cruiser look attracts attention wherever you go. I'd recommend an aftermarket oil filter relocation kit and a hypercharger if you want it all. Whether you cruise aroun town or across the U.S. this is is the best bargain around. Show less

Since I'm new to the moto family, I have few comparisons to make. I will say that for a guy 240+ lbs. this bike does more than carry me from point A to B. It's comfortable and handles easily. Great bike for the beginner. Show less